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The incoming CS Ministry of Health Mutahi Kagwe (left) and outgoing CS Cecil Kariuki answer questions from journalists after handing over ceremony at Afya House on Friday, Feb 28, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Mutahi Kagwe finds himself in the centre of the biggest global health disaster after he was sworn in as Health Cabinet Secretary yesterday.
In an executive order issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Kagwe will now chair the national emergency response committee on Corona virus.
The President asked the new CS to take up the role of ensuring Kenyans remain safe from the disease. Kagwe promised to handle the issue seriously.
“My priority is to implement the Executive Order on COVID - 19 in a structured manner to manage the issue of Corona virus,” he said during his swearing in. He is replacing Ms Sicily Kariuki who was moved to the Water docket.
Other top officials sworn in yesterday were Betty Chemutai Maina, who is the new Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development CS, and several principal secretaries.
The new Principal Secretaries included Amb Johnson Mwangi Weru (Trade and Enterprise Development), Dr Julius Ouma Jwan (Vocational and Technical Training), Mary Wanjira Kimonye (Public Service), Amb Simon Wanyonyi Nabukwesi (University Education and Research), Solomon Kitungu (Transport) and Enosh Onyango Momanyi (Physical Planning).
President Kenyatta said the new officials are aware of the challenges such as corruption and lack of integrity have posed to the country, and reminded them that the two vices will not be tolerated.
“The evil of corruption must come to an end. I expect you to support me in ending it,” the President said as he informed the CSs and PSs that he expects nothing short of total commitment to integrity.
The President assured the officials that he remains ready to work with them and support them in delivering services to Kenyans.
He said those taking the oath of office were experienced public servants who should hit the road running.
Uhuru said he had earlier signed an Executive Order which the CS is expected to implement.
The President directed Kagwe to eliminate all bottlenecks towards the realisation of the universal health coverage pillar of the Big 4 Agenda by working closely with all stakeholders.
On trade and industry, the President directed Ms Maina to start delivering results immediately, asking her to embark on forming the team to negotiate with the US on a new trade deal.
He challenged her to work hard and ensure that Kenya reaps maximum benefits from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
The ceremony was conducted by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
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